History

Early History

Aredhel had left Gondolin to wander through Beleriand, and in the woods of Nan Elmoth she met Eöl, and stayed with him, eventually giving birth to Maeglin. At birth, Aredhel gave Maeglin the mother-name of Lómion ("Child of Twilight" in Quenya). Eöl gave his child the father-nameMaeglin when he was twelve. When Aredhel left Eöl, she took her son (who stole his father's sword, Anguirel) with her and returned to Gondolin. But Eöl had followed her, and in judgment before Turgon he attempted to kill Maeglin with a poisoned dart, but hit Aredhel instead. She died, and Eöl was cast down to his death from the city walls.

Maeglin was now an orphan, but Turgon held him in honor, and Maeglin both learned and taught much. He became an elven-prince held in high esteem, even leading his own House of the Mole. He found rich lodes of metals in the Echoriath surrounding the city, and forged weapons of steel stronger than had been seen before. His mine in the Echoriath was named Anghabar, Iron-Mine. In the Nirnaeth Arnoediad ("Battle of Unnumbered Tears"), Maeglin refused to remain behind as regent, and went forth to battle with Turgon. The seventh and final gate of Gondolin, the Gate of Steel, was Maeglin's creation.

Even though he was one of the mighty of Gondolin, he most desired Turgon's daughter (and Maeglin's first cousin) Idril. But there was no hope for him, for "the Eldar wedded not with kin so near". And, knowing his thought of her, Idril despised Maeglin.

The Fall of Gondolin

When Tuor came, carrying Ulmo's warning of the danger to Gondolin, Maeglin sat on the right hand of Turgon and argued against Tuor. Tuor's marriage with Idril further incensed Maeglin, who rebelled against Turgon and Tuor. Later, seeking after metals, Maeglin defied Turgon's order to stay within the mountains, and was captured by Orcs and brought to Angband. Morgoth promised both Gondolin and Idril in return for the location of the hidden city, thus luring Maeglin into the greatest treachery done in the Elder Days. He gave him a token that would (allegedly) keep him safe from the sack.

Maeglin returned to Gondolin saying nothing about his encounter, but many people noticed a change. Most thought it was for the better, though Idril suspected something and began work on Idril's Secret Way. He managed to turn some of the weaker (such as Salgant) and the roguish to his side. When the hosts of Morgoth surrounded the city, Maeglin counciled Turgon against flight, and because of his place in the King's heart (and with the aid of Salgant), he swayed him to his advantage. Later, while Maeglin tried to kill Eärendil, he fought with Tuor on the walls, and Tuor threw him to his death.